British Open second round sees Bryson DeChambeau penalty amid record-tying performances
Eventful Second Round at Royal Birkdale
The second round of the British Open at Royal Birkdale was marked by significant developments, including record-tying performances and a controversial penalty. Lucas Herbert and Sam Burns both achieved rounds of 62, matching a major championship record. However, the day also saw Bryson DeChambeau receive a two-shot penalty after his round, impacting his standing heading into the weekend.
Lucas Herbert, despite his record-tying 62, expressed some disappointment, having missed a 5-foot par putt on the final hole that would have given him a 61. He concluded the day at 8-under 132, securing his first 36-hole lead in a major championship. Sam Burns, who also shot a 62, was reportedly unaware he had tied a record. Burns’s participation in the Open came after his wife gave birth to their second child earlier than anticipated, allowing him to compete after being a runner-up by one shot in the U.S. Open.
The broadcast coverage of these record-setting rounds drew some attention, with reports indicating that Sam Burns’s 62 went largely uncovered by certain networks. While Lucas Herbert’s pursuit of a low score was highlighted, viewers reportedly saw little of Burns’s performance until late in his round, despite his strong back-nine.
DeChambeau’s Penalty and Reaction
Bryson DeChambeau’s round ended with a penalty that altered his position on the leaderboard. After initially finishing with a 4-under 66, leaving him one shot behind Herbert, officials reviewed a shot from the fifth hole. The issue centered on whether he had inadvertently improved the path of his swing, potentially violating Rule 8, which governs the intended swing.
During the review, DeChambeau was taken to the scene of the infraction, located in thick, high grass to the right of the 321-yard hole. Television cameras captured him engaged in a discussion with officials, visibly frustrated. Officials determined that a section of grass behind his ball had been tamped down, which could have affected his backswing. As a result, his bogey on the fifth hole was changed to a triple bogey, increasing his score from 66 to 68. This adjustment moved him from one shot behind the leader to three shots behind, placing him in a tie for fifth.
Following the decision, DeChambeau reportedly stormed off to the range. When asked about his participation on Saturday, his agent, Brett Falkoff, responded with uncertainty, stating, “We’ll see. Your guess is as good as mine.” The incident added further drama to an already eventful day at the championship.
Other Notable Performances and Incidents
Beyond the record-tying scores and the penalty, other players also made their mark. Jon Rahm received an official conduct warning for throwing his club after a tee shot. Despite this, Rahm remained competitive, shooting a 67 and finishing four shots behind the leader. He missed a 4-foot birdie putt on the final hole, but his intensity remained, even with the risk of a two-shot penalty for another conduct violation.
Defending champion Scottie Scheffler struggled with putting for much of his round but managed a 12-footer for par on the final hole, resulting in a 68. He concluded the day four shots behind the leader. Newcomers to links golf, Jackson Suber and Ryan Gerard, were tied for second alongside Cameron Young, further contributing to the competitive field.
The day’s events underscored the unpredictable nature of golf’s oldest championship, providing numerous talking points as the tournament progresses into the weekend.
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Source: cnn.com
